Bites of Bee Cave!

 Bites of Bee Cave is a great way to taste some of the unique, delicious restaurants in the area, while giving to a good cause. For $10, you will get "bites" from up to 15 restaurants! There will also be an area for the kids.

Agent Ashley Pope is an active member of the Bee Cave Rotary and has been very involved with this event.

Bites of Bee Cave is THIS SATURDAY, October 1st, from 11am to 4pm.  

Lake Travis ISD School Calendar

What's Going On In Austin - AUGUST 2011

Tech Tip! How to use a QR Code...

This week, each agent of CBU Lake Travis got a QR codes on their agent website. This is an exciting technology, but one that causes a lot of confusion as well. Here are some quick tips on how and when to use QR codes…

Why should you use QR codes? QR codes are free, quick and easy to create! You can create an infinite number of QR codes using free websites like qrstuff.com - perfect for linking to your personal website, a property website, the office homepage, our blog, your Facebook, whatever! In addition, QR codes catch the attention of tech-minded consumers and keep them interested by allowing them access to more content than would be available in a regular flyer or ad space.

However, there are some downsides to QR codes, specifically the fact that there is no standardized reader for the codes. Some people will simply not be able to access your content unless they are willing to take the time to download and run a new QR code reader to their device. Still more people will be unaware of how to use the QR code at all, forcing you to use some of your valuable space printing instructions on how to use the code.

Using QR codes is most effective on print media, such as flyers or in ads. If you took a look at the Homes& Land ad that many of our agents ran last month, you’ll notice that there is a QR codes in the ad. That code directs readers to our office website, where they have access to additional information about all our agents. That is an effective use of space, as we were limited to two pages when there is so much more to CBU Lake Travis! Also, the reader would likely be in a position to easily pull out their mobile phone and scan the QR code. On the other hand, putting a QR code on a For Sale sign is unlikely to generate much traffic. That situation requires that the person would have noticed the QR code in the first place, understand how to use the code, then stop and get out of their car before they even had the opportunity to scan the code. A better idea would be to place the QR code on the flyer attached to the sign, making the code and instructions for use available to them on their time.

Hopefully this answers many of your questions about QR codes and their appropriate uses. Let me know what sort of topics you would like addressed in future Tech Tips!

Meet our newest agent - Ashley Pope!

The Lake Travis office of Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS® would like to welcome and introduce Ashley Pope.

           

Born and raised in Paris, Texas, Ashley attended the University of Houston and the Conrad Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management before beginning her career in hotel business. Her work has allowed her to live throughout the United States, including Chicago, Miami and Boston, as well as abroad, in London.  Ashley spent ten years working in the luxury hotel business for both Four Seasons Hotels as well as Mandarin Oriental, learning first and foremost the importance of great customer service. She began her real estate career by buying and renovating, staging and selling her partner's homes, both in Boston as well as Austin. “My career has always been to make the impossible, possible,” she says, “and I will bring this level of service to real estate.” Ashley is also active in the community as a member of the Chamber of Commerce for the City of Lakeway.

           

Ashely can be reached by e-mail at apope@cbunited.com or by phone at 512-534-8522.

Tech Tip! Use Facebook More Effectively

Many of you use Facebook everyday to communicate with friends and family. But Facebook is also quickly turning into a place for companies to interact with consumers and potential clients. However, getting people to friend you or “like” your page is not enough to get noticed on Facebook. Here are some tips on using Facebook to its full potential…

The first thing to know is that there is NO GUARENTEE that anything you post on Facebook will make it your even your best friend’s wall, let alone a vague acquaintance or interested stranger. This is especially true of business pages. Facebook uses a complicated system of algorithms to figure out the status updates, pictures and links that “matter” to you. What “matters” are things posted by users who are frequented visited, who have statuses with lots of comments and “likes” and by those users who have more friends. So how can you play the system and get your statuses and updates noticed??

1. Post relevant and meaningful statuses. No one cares what you had for dinner, unless it was really and truly something amazing! If you post statuses that people care about, they will “like” and comment more often, which boosts the number of times your status updates will appear in their Top News feed.

2. Post links. Links are given preference in the news feed over statuses. Link to your blog, the office blog, funny websites, news stories, relevant industry blogs, your website, the office website. Sign up for Google Alerts for some relevant topics – things that matter to you – and make it a point to link to one interesting story everyday.

3. Post photos and videos. Photos and videos are given preference even over links – which makes them WAY more effective at catching the attention of the average FB user than links or statuses. Many people also connect better with visual media over a black and white status update and are more likely to “like” or even share your photo on their page. This, in turn, promotes you in the FB algorithms and places you even more prominently on the Top News pages of your friends and sphere.

4. Comment, like, share! The best way to push traffic to your Facebook is to be active with others on Facebook. Commenting, liking and sharing the statuses, links, photos and videos of others tend to make them feel more connected to you. They will then be more likely to return the favor when they see your post, which then promotes you to their Top News feed.

I hope these tips will help you guys build a better business page on Facebook!

Get ready for Fourth of July Weekend!!

The fireworks may be cancelled but there are still plenty of things to do this weekend here in Austin!!
If you're looking to start celebrating earlier, LAGO VISTA will celebrate on Saturday, July 2nd with art and essay contests, talents competitions, the Little Mr./Mrs. Lago Vista Contest, a silent auction and tennis.

The LAKEWAY JULY FOURTH CELEBRATION starts at 8:30am with a parade up Lakeway Drive from Live Oak Golf Course to The Lakeway Church. CBU Lake Travis will be handing out ice cold water during the parade. At 5:00pm, an "Old Fashioned Block Party" will feature the bank Duck Soup at the Swim Center at 3103 Lakeway Blvd. There will be food, lasertag, inflatables, and carnival rides. BYOB.

In GEORGETOWN, festivities begin at 11am with over 80 arts and crafts booths, food vendors, and a Kids' area including games, a petting zoo, train rides and face painting. The Hometown Parade, starting at noon, will feature Miss Georgetown.

In ROUND ROCK, The July 4th Fronteir Days Celebration begins at 10am with a parade through Downtown Round Rock. The festival to follow will include a live stunt men show, free watermelon provided by the Round Rock City Council, skydivers, a pepper eating contest and a performance by the Rock Rock Ballet Folklorico and the Austin Symphonic Band. Showings of Iron Man 2 and Despicable Me will play at 9:30pm.

In LEANDER, their 10th Annual LibertyFest will include live music, good food, and a laser light show! Park at Leander High School to join up with the free shuttle service to Crystal Falls Golf Club.

WIMBERLY Chamber of Commerce is hosting a July 4th Parade and Jubilee beginning at 10am. The Jubilee will take place under the shade trees at Ozona Bank.

Congratulations!

Tammy Templin

Congratulations to agents Dawn McKim-Garcia, Scott Grant, Jacquelyn Foreman, Debbie Sheppard-Thrush and Tammy Templin! They have been named 2011 FIVE STAR Real Estate Agents by Texas Monthly and FIVE STAR Professionals!

Dawn McKim

FIVE STAR Professionals surveyed all Austin, San Antonio and Central Texas residents who purchased a home at more $100,000 between Feburary 2009 and August 2010, as well as a selection of Texas Monthly subscribers and mortgage and title companies. Agents were rated based on customer service, communitcation, their ability to find the right home, integrity, negotiation, their marketing of the home, market knowledge, closing preparation and overall satisfaction. From the top-rated agents, a panel of industry experts including realty company executives, professional and trade association officers and others directly realted to the housing industry reviewed the list and submitted their own input.

Scott Grant

These agents are now part of a highly select list, representing the top 3% of agents based on overall customer satifcation. You can see the entire list in the June issue of Texas Monthly.



Debbie Thrush



You can contact Dawn by e-mail at dawn@dawnmckim.com or by phone at 512-300-1187.

Tammy can be reached at ttemplin@cbunited.com or by phone at 512-796-5559.

Scott is available at sgrant@cbunited.com or by phone at 512-294-4318.

You can contact Jacquelyn at jforeman@cbunited.com or by phone at 512-554-8298.

Debbie can be reached at drsheppard@cbunited.com or by phone at 512-658-9653.

Jacquelyn Foreman

Congratulations everyone!

Tech Tip: Symbols Using Your Alt or Options Key

I’ve had some requests to do some “back to basics” type Tech Tips – in particular, how do I make that handy ® sign that is used after Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS®??

If you’re using a PC, use of the ALT key and the number pad can create all kinds of symbols. Memorizing the necessary number combinations can save you a lot of time over inserting symbols individually. You simply hold down the ALT key and type the numbers in using the number pad, and then release the ALT key. Make sure your Number Lock is on!!

Using a Mac, you will hold down the OPTIONS key and press down the appropriate letter or number combination.

Here are four of the more useful Symbol combinations for both PC and Mac:

REGISTERED TRADEMARK (®) –

-        PC: ALT + 0174

-        Mac: Option + R

TRADEMARK (™) –

-        PC: ALT + 0153

-        Mac: Option + 2

COPYRIGHT (©) –

-        PC: ALT + 0169

-        Mac: Option + G

E with ACUTE ACCENT (é) –

            - PC: ALT + 0233

            - Mac: Option + e

Check out this link for even more options for PC and this website for more on Mac accent and symbol codes.

Talking Points!

Here are some Austin-centric news stories to carry you through the weekend:

City proposes $1 million study of I-35 in Austin | kvue.com Austin  -- Wish they would pay ME that million dollars to tell them it’s awful!

Austin to Become NFC Test City – This interesting new technology would have us paying for things using just our cell phones.

Austin dog owners celebrate Take Your Dog to Work Day | kvue.com Austin – Wish some of our agents had brought their pets up to the office for a visit!!

 

Austin, Tex., a Good Place for Small Businesses - NYTimes.com – The American City Business Journals has listed Austin as the NUMBER ONE city for small business two years in a row.

And if you’re looking for something to do tonight in the area, The Market at Steiner Ranch will be having a FREE food and wine tasting party from 5pm to 8pm.

Fourth of July Announcement from the City of Lakeway

The City of Lakeway put out the following bulletin regarding the late afternoon/evening of Monday July 4^th.

“Severe drought conditions and extreme fire danger has prompted Travis County Fire Marshall to decline all fireworks permits for now.  So sorry, folks, no fireworks this year.  As a result the City of Lakeway has  canceled the evening festivities at City Park,including shuttle service.  However, a revamped program, much like an old fashioned block party, only better, will replace it.  The evenings entertainment begins at 5 p.m. on Trophy Drive  and Highlands Blvd.., (surrounding the Swim Center),  featuring the exciting sounds of Duck Soup, under a marquee tent with festoon lights, a dance floor and tables and chairs, playing your favorite rock n' roll, country, jazzy blues and more. (Feel free to bring your own chairs, if preferred.)  This is a great chance to grab your partner and dance the night away.”

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Thanks to Jacquie Banks for the heads up!

Tell me about a great book you've read recently.

Since I don’t have TV per se I do read a lot. I like Fantasy, Mysteries, and Science Fiction the most. I finished “Elantris”  by Brandon Sanderson recently. Very unusual fantasy but he is a great writer and totally draws you into the story which has lots of twists and turns. He was selected by Robert Jordan to finish the epic series “The Wheel of Time”. He has done a masterful job in completing this series which has spanned 20 some years. He is a master at description and dialog and makes you feel like you are present, part of the story. I have thoroughly enjoyed all his writings and have been reading through all his published works! Highly recommend the read!

 - Scott Grant

I am almost 100 pages into Redford which is an authorized biography of Robert Redford.  I am continually amazed at the number of commonalities in our lives so far (apart from the Hollywood aspect) and the difficulties he and his family endured.

Also, the biographer’s use of certain words mandates that I keep a dictionary close by so I can annotate their meanings in the margins of the page.  Fugacious, for instance, “passing away quickly, evanescent, withering”.

- Jacquie Banks

What's your favorite thing about Austin?

My favorite thing about Austin is the beauty of the hill country terrain. Moving to the south from California was a concern as I loved the mountains and we have gorgeous hills with beautiful views here in Austin. For so many of my buyers, the view is a huge part of the home buying decision process. – Don Fry

My favorite thing about Austin is that it is so unique. There is so much to do, and so many interesting people. I also love the live music scene and the wealth of musical talent. – Nancy LaBarbiera (Read Nancy’s latest music review, of local musician Bob Schneider, at www.themusicinitiative.com!!)

Being the Redneck Barbie that I am this is an easy question. My favorite thing about Austin is living in the country, And Shopping at the Domain or the Hill Country Gallaria! – Sherry Grasman

Best thing about Austin is that it has all the feel of a big city without being one. Everything is so laid back.  You can go to the nicest restaurants and see someone in shorts or in a suit and neither are totally out of place.  The music scene rocks and of course…The LONGHORNS!! – Bryan Kelley

In addition to working with those folks who already know how great the Austin community is, I have the privilege of introducing the area to clients who are relocating to Austin.  I’m constantly asked what I like most and least about Austin.  One of the things I like the most is the SCENE.  Austin is a scene and if you have five minutes, check out Bijoy Goswami's video, Austin Scene to see what I’m talking about. – Stacey Nelson

Free Event!! 11th Annual Father's Day Antique Automobile Show

Steve Witt, the president of Centex Tin Lizzies Model-T Club and agent here at CBU Lake Travis, will be at the 11th Annual Father's Day Antique Automobile Show THIS SUNDAY, June 19th, from noon to 4pm.

Sponserd by RoadRelics.org, the show will be located at the intersection of 51st and North Lamar, with more than 350 antique automobiles anticipated to be displayed! And the best part? Admission is FREE!!

You can register your own antique car (1986 or older) and find more information about the show at the RoadRelics website, RoadRelics.org.

Meet Bryan Kelley!

Bryan grew up in El Paso, playing tennis competitively and traveling throughout the US and Europe playing for the United States. A graduate of Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, Colorado, Bryan moved back to Austin in 1997 after attending the University of Texas in 89/90. Bryan loves the lake, kids, Longhorn sports, surfing and other water sports, and anything outdoors! He is very committed to Lake Hills Church and supports the Center for Child Protection, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the American Cancer Society. Real estate is truly in his blood - his father was a developer who encouraged him to work in commerical real estate while he lived in El Paso. His sister, who also works for a local real estate company, got him back into the business.

What impressed me more about Bryan is how active he is in charity. He has held 10 years of fundraisers for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and raised over $300,000 at the events combined! His support of the American Cancer Society is particularly personal, as his mother is a 2 time cancer survivor, his father a cancer surviver and his brother-in-law, as well! AMAZING!

Bryan is also the owner of Johnny Fins Floatin Bar & Grill at the Hurst Harbor Marina. He also hosts a blog at Austin, Lake Travis Style.

The Rhyming REALTOR's Take on Austin

Check out Jacquie's new video! She shows some of her favorite places in Austin and the surrounding area.

GUEST BLOG: I Wanna Be A Beauty Queen!

Well, I am getting a little personal with this post. For those that don’t know me personally, I make references to Barbie A LOT. I love Barbie. She is a beautiful, hard-working woman who has worn many hats. I strive to be like that. She would also win any beauty contest even at 50. I believe that men and women alike love to look at pretty things. Whether it is a human being or a pretty home, IT’S ALL A BEAUTY CONTEST.

Let’s really look at a beauty contest.

A beauty contest is a competition based mainly on physical beauty of its contestants (active listings in your neighborhood). Although such contests often incorporate personality, talent and criteria. Winners of beauty contest are often called “BEAUTY QUEENS”

Is your property at BEAUTY QUEEN status? Before you hit the stage get all the little things finished. Patch the cracks, Paint the trim, Oil the squeaks, and fix the screens, just to name a few.

Find a friend or professional that you will want to hear the truth from. Better yet, get a pre-sale inspection. A professional inspection can identify problems that could throw a sale. Know the problems in advance and get them fixed. If there are no major problems than publicize that to the nervous buyer. It shows that you have nothing to hide.

Clean, Clean, Clean! You should be able to eat off the floors.

Also, banish the smells. Things that look pretty usually smell pretty.

Appeal to the senses. A home that Looks Pretty, Smells Pretty, and Feels Pretty that is the “BEAUTY QUEEN”.
Your home being a “BEAUTY QUEEN” equals your home “SOLD”!

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The above blog was written by one of our agents, Sherry Grasman. You can more of her blogs at Sherry Grasman Sells Austin.

Talking Points for June 10th

Here's some Austin-centric news that caught my attention this week! Let me know you thoughts on any of the stories in the comments.

Austin beginning to compete with other Texas cities for wealthy immigrants from Mexico

No public fireworks show in Austin due to drought

Austin ISD Will Close for a Week in July to Save Energy

Austin-based Alamo Drafthouse Uses Angry Voicemail For “Don’t Text” Warning

Volunteer medic. Poet. Wine enthusiast. Santa.

These are only a few of the answers I received when I started asking the agents at the Lake Travis branch of Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS® to tell me who they are away from the office. As a former student of history, I am fascinated with the collecting and telling of stories, and I do believe that the agents at this office have some great ones to share!

I only recently began working at this office, and while I knew that the agents had been very welcoming and friendly, I was still surprised at some of their unique hobbies and histories. I’ve had great conversations with them and I hope to share those with the readers of this blog over the next couple months.

- Megan